Every parliamentary written question tabled by Jim Shannon this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 61–71 of 71 · Department for Business and Trade
What assessment he has made of the potential for abuse of voluntary insolvencies.
In recent years the Government has commissioned research covering both corporate and personal voluntary insolvency processes. In 2022 the company voluntary arrangement research report was published and on 17 October 2024 the research findings into Individ...
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of interest rates on SMEs.
For SMEs that pay interest at a variable rate, or those contemplating new borrowing, lower interest rates are clearly beneficial.
What plans he has to increase employee protection from unfair dismissal.
The Government introduced the Employment Rights Bill in the House on 10 October 2024. The Bill will make basic protection against unfair dismissal a day one right for all employees, ending the current arbitrary system that leaves employees waiting up to t...
What steps he is taking to support manufacturing in the UK.
This government wants to drive manufacturing growth. Manufacturing makes an important contribution to private capital, R&D, and exports, which leads to higher productivity, more investment and more jobs.Building on existing support to industry, govern...
If he will extend export support programmes for civil maritime sector participation in international trade shows.
This year, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has already supported UK maritime firms at Asia Pacific Maritime (Singapore), Posidonia (Athens), and SMM (Hamburg). Other upcoming events include METSTRADE, which will be taking place in Amsterdam th...
Whether the provisions of the proposed Employment Rights Bill will extend to Northern Ireland.
The Government is committed to delivering its Plan to Make Work Pay in full. Ministers are identifying the most appropriate delivery mechanisms for the commitments in the Plan, including an Employment Rights Bill that will be introduced to Parliament with...
What steps he is taking to increase inward investment in Northern Ireland.
My department is working in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland through DBT’s Trade and Investment hub in Belfast and its wider global network to showcase NI as a location for investment.We are focused on driving investment into all parts of the UK, ...
What discussions he has had with the Department for the Economy on protecting small businesses in Northern Ireland.
DBT Ministers have engaged with the Northern Ireland Executive since assuming office, including productive meetings and correspondence at SoS and Minister of State level as well as detailed and ongoing official level dialogue regarding the interests of No...
What plans he has to support high street retailers.
This Government is focused on its five-point plan to breathe life back into Britain’s high streets. Our plans include tackling retail crime, ensuring a level playing field between online and high street businesses, stamping out late payments and ending the blight of empty spaces. This work will ensure that our high streets are great places for our businesses, supporting economic growth across the UK.The British Business Bank supports SMEs to grow by improving their access to finance. The Growth Guarantee Scheme offers a 70% government guarantee on loans to SMEs of up to £2 million in Great Britain, and £1 million in Northern Ireland and is available until the end of March 2026.The industry-led Retail Sector Council has identified High Street Regeneration and Investment as one if its key area of work and has been considering a sector vision for the high street.
What discussions he has had with (a) Royal Mail and (b) prospective buyers for Royal Mail on retaining the universal service obligation.
The Secretary of State and I have met with Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services, and the EP Group to discuss the proposed takeover of IDS.The universal service obligation is a legally binding commitment on the designated universal service provider and its ongoing provision would be required irrespective of ownership of the business.
Whether officials in his Department have had discussions with representatives of the aerospace industry on guaranteeing jobs during the completion of the sale of Spirit AeroSystems’ operations to Airbus.
Under terms agreed between Airbus and Spirit, Airbus will acquire the elements of Spirit’s Belfast site responsible for the A220 airliner. This includes the wing and mid-fuselage sections. The Government is working with the Northern Ireland Executive to help ensure the best outcome for Short Brothers and all its incredibly skilled, hard working, staff. My Department is in touch with Spirit, Airbus, Boeing and other potential buyers. We have a keen interest in seeing that any acquisition includes a commitment to develop Short Brothers and its supply chain, and to provide the best possible opportunity for growth in Northern Ireland.